To Kill a Mockingbird Research Project – Research Outline – Loving vs. Virginia
Topic: Loving vs. Virginia
A. Background that affected the event & trial – the law itself
1. the law in VA - 1924
2. how many other laws around the country
3. possibly, other attempts to end or circumvent the laws, and their results
B. Background that affected the event & trial
1. time and place; typical attitudes or beliefs there
2. brief background of important people
a. bride & groom
C. Details of the event: marriage and arrest
1. time and place of marriage
2. how they “broke the law”
3. the arrest
D. Immediate results of the event – such as media coverage, public reaction, police action (possible)
E. Details of the trial
1. verdict
2. sentence (their options)
3. their choice
F. Immediate results of the trial – such as media coverage, public reaction, complications - (possible)
G. the Lovings sue the state of Virginia
1. the decision to sue
2. going to the Supreme Court of VA
3. going to the US Supreme Court – and their decision!
H. Long-term results
1. changes in laws all over the country
2. interracial marriages – numbers then … and now
3. connections to gay marriage now
I. Long-term effects of the event and/or trial – such as, long-term lessons or changes made as a
result of this event, such as long-term lessons or changes made to the legal system. Note that
this may be recorded in history or news (new laws passed because of this case), but it may
not. You might need to figure out how things have changed, or not, as a result of this case.
J. Lessons about pride and shame – You will add this section yourself when you have finished
researching and you can reflect on your topic. If you do find anything in your research about
this idea, you can use it.